ProVEST launches in Paris to transform VET education for a sustainable future

On March 3rd and 4th, the partners of the ProVEST consortium gathered in Paris to officially kickstart this ambitious Erasmus+ project,  bringing together key players from industry, academia, and Vocational Education and Training (VET) institutions from Belgium, Estonia, France, Germany, and Spain. The meeting marked the start of this four-year initiative which aims to drive the transformation of VET education across Europe. Bridging the gap between education and industry, ProVEST will focus on equipping educators and mentors with the tools to create Powerful Transformative Learning Environments (PTLEs) that prepare future professionals to effectively address sustainability challenges.

The event began with an engaging icebreaker session designed to bridge language barriers and establish a shared understanding of the project’s core terminology. A presentation on sustainability within the VET context provided essential grounding, linking the project’s objectives to pressing challenges and relevant policy frameworks. This was followed by an introduction to the project’s scientific foundation: the Powerful Transformative Learning Environment (PTLE) framework. Throughout the day, participants engaged in interactive workshops to explore the principles of PTLE, exchanging experiences and discussing challenges in VET education. A film created by French VET students sparked a dynamic discussion on the potential of fostering and promoting PTLEs to address complex socioeconomic issues. The first day concluded with a tour of the city led by the local team and a memorable dinner at a traditional Parisian restaurant, allowing participants to further connect in an informal setting.

Day two focused on the theme of boundary crossing, exemplified by a presentation from Belgium’s Embuild—a construction association that bridges industry and education through innovative projects that are transforming perceptions of the building sector. This session was followed by a workshop where VET schools and company representatives shared their insights and best practices on fostering collaboration between education and industry. The event wrapped up with a crucial discussion on the evaluation framework for the project’s interventions and guidelines for effective communication.

This two-day meeting provided an invaluable opportunity to establish a strong foundation for collaboration and knowledge exchange. A heartfelt thank you to the French team for their excellent organisation and warm hospitality in hosting this inaugural gathering. The ProVEST consortium looks forward to driving meaningful change in VET education over the coming years.

Watch the full video of the event! 👇